The Toronto Raptors are knee-deep in trying to keep their playoff hopes alive. Currently, they are enjoying an extra day off in between Games 4 & 5 with their first-round opponent, the Cleveland Cavaliers. This break is good news for struggling star Brandon Ingram. However, Mikal Bridges is another NBA star who is struggling under their current circumstances.
Heavy.com has proposed a trade with the New York Knicks to help both clubs give a struggling player a fresh start.
Raptors Acquire:
- Mikal Bridges
Knicks Acquire:
- Brandon Ingram
In this trade with the Knicks, the Raptors add Bridges. The 29-year-old forward-guard stands 6-foot-6 and weighs 209 lbs. During the 2025-26 regular season, he averaged 14.4 points, 3.8 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 1.3 steals per game.
In return, the Knicks would add Ingram, a 6-foot-8, 190 lbs forward. The 28-year-old was a second overall draft selection in 2016. In 77 games this year, he averaged 21.5 points, 5.6 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 0.8 steals per game.
Mikal Bridges Could Use a Reset
To say that Bridges is struggling for the Knicks in their current playoff battle would be an understatement. The Daily Knicks recently looked at the struggles that the forward-guard has faced.
“He is shooting just 25 percent from 3-point range, scoring only 7.3 points per game, and has five turnovers to just six assists across four games,” the Daily Knicks wrote. “If you want defensive playmaking, that’s nonexistent — just two steals and zero blocks for Bridges. In the short-term, they don’t have enough wings on the roster to completely excise Bridges from the rotation.”
“The options behind him are all small guards. Jordan Clarkson is hardly the answer even with as bad Bridges is playing.”
While it appears that the Knicks are in a pickle for the short-term, a long-term solution could be to trade the once-promising $150 million player.
“The bigger issue is long-term. The Knicks owe Bridges $150 million over the next four seasons, and the rest of the NBA is watching this series, too,” the outlet continues. “There is unlikely to be a mammoth trade offer waiting for New York to pivot away from the ineffective Bridges.”
The Problem the Raptors Face With Keeping Brandon Ingram
One thing that Daily Knicks points out is that Ingram and Scottie Barnes like to operate in the same areas of the court. This sometimes leads to both stars not getting as many ball touches as they need to be effective.
“They bought low on Brandon Ingram, and he responded with an All-Star season,” the Daily Knicks reasons. “However, this postseason has not been his finest work, and it’s highlighting the difficulties of building a team around Scottie Barnes and Ingram, given that both like to operate in similar areas with the ball in their hands.”
“The Knicks would get a more proven scorer in Ingram, who shot better than Bridges this season and is a more capable passer and playmaker.”
How Mikal Bridges Helps the Raptors
With that in mind, if Bridges is struggling, why should the Raptors even be interested in him? There are two good reasons.
During the 2022-23 season, Bridges enjoyed a career year. He scored 26 points per game, in addition to 2.7 assists, 1.8 turnovers, and a steal per game. The offensive numbers are there; he just might need a change of scenery in order to unlock them again.
Not to mention that Bridges’ defense is another standout characteristic of his game. He has been recognized for his defensive play and would be an incredible asset to the Raptors. The kind of player that can pair well with Barnes.
While it might not be the kind of slam-dunk trade pitch that should generate cheers from every fan, it’s the kind of long-sighted deal that has the potential to work out well for both clubs.
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